Our greatest Centre back.

Been watching since 1949 and must say Virgil is by far the best centre back we've ever had. Remember Big Ron Yeats, (best of luck Ron, I know you aren't too well) and loved Hansen, but Virgil's speed and tackling is awesome.

VVD is the closest player I've seen to Hanson. Doesn't make sliding challenges or go diving in unless absolutely necessary. Always stays on his feet. The Iceman!

Been watching since 1949 and must say Virgil is by far the best centre back we've ever had. Remember Big Ron Yeats, (best of luck Ron, I know you aren't too well) and loved Hansen, but Virgil's speed and tackling is awesome.

hard to think your going to get much of an argument mate. I saw Ron play towards the end of his career and a bit like Virgil he was a major piece in Shankly's puzzle that led to so much success. Emlyn Hughes. Thomo, Jocky, Lawro, the list goes on of great footballing CB's .Virgil is on another level because not only is he such a reader of the game but he doesn't have any full backs most of the time to help him out.

Won't be seeing a better one in my lifetime, not just for The Reds.

One of those lads you will marvel about in 50 years time.

Been watching since 1949 and must say Virgil is by far the best centre back we've ever had. Remember Big Ron Yeats, (best of luck Ron, I know you aren't too well) and loved Hansen, but Virgil's speed and tackling is awesome.

Powerful statement coming from a veteran like you. I love Virgil, but my only hesitation is in looking at the honours next to Hansen's name (8 league titles, 3 European Cups, etc.). It's always hard to compare players from different eras but I think Virgil will want to be involved in a lifting a few more trophies - and he should have every opportunity to do so.

To me, Hyypia and VVD are the best center backs I have seen in my lifetime.

Hyypia rarely got carded, was superb with the ball and was very commanding. He and Carra were a great pairing but unfortunately we did not have the resources at that time to be as good as today's squad and they did not have fullbacks like TAA and Robertson too.  if things were different we would be saying things differently about Hyypia.

But, VVD to me is the best because of his quickness which Hyypia lacked.

To me, Hyypia and VVD are the best center backs I have seen in my lifetime.

Hyypia rarely got carded, was superb with the ball and was very commanding. He and Carra were a great pairing but unfortunately we did not have the resources at that time to be as good as today's squad and they did not have fullbacks like TAA and Robertson too.  if things were different we would be saying things differently about Hyypia.

But, VVD to me is the best because of his quickness which Hyypia lacked.

No argument against Sami of course, but to your point about resources in days gone by, TAA is an Academy product and Robbo cost us, what was it? 8 million British Sterling?

Sorry, just a side note.

I didn't think it was possible for me to put a central defender ahead of Alan Hansen.  But have to say over 2 years because that is all he has played for us nobody has been better than VVD as centre back.   The marker VVD has drawn over the last 2 years has there ever been a defender to better that 2 years?   He's played against the best attacks and individuals for me the best 2 years I have ever seen as a defender. 

I didn't think it was possible for me to put a central defender ahead of Alan Hansen.  But have to say over 2 years because that is all he has played for us nobody has been better than VVD as centre back.   The marker VVD has drawn over the last 2 years has there ever been a defender to better that 2 years?   He's played against the best attacks and individuals for me the best 2 years I have ever seen as a defender. 

Think it's a safe bet then when VVD end's his LFC career he will be thought of as our best defender ever.

In my opinion he has a clear road in front of him just needs to sustain the level.  Over 2 years our best player.  He walked into a shambles of a defense and instantly became the foundation of our defence and am not talking foundation blocks, steel girders  am talking Stonehendge. 

to be fair the defence wasn't helped by a pair of inept keepers

found this
https://twitter.com/YoungyLFC1892/status/1210532223591571456?s=19

VVD for me. When Shanks invited people to walk round Big Ron Yeats, and take a close look. He was a colossus of a man. Great defender and player, but his greatest assets was he scared the sh*t out of centre forwards.
Hansen was great at driving out from the back, he’d dummy a pass, then drive on another five yards, dummy again, another five yards, then lay an incisive pass forwards. Great footballer, and cool as you like. Lawrenson complimented his style of play. Emlyn, a great player who gave you everything. Heart on sleeve player who could organise well.
VVD has all of this in abundance, with added pace, calm as can be, never ruffled, rarely beaten 1v1 and gets 40% more from the players along side him.
Absolute giant of a player. Best I’ve seen ANYWHERE, and the like of which you probably won’t see again.
Enjoy watching him while you can.

found this
https://twitter.com/YoungyLFC1892/status/1210532223591571456?s=19

Confirms I'm doing well to mainly ignore Twitter. Thanks for posting this, Walt.

Best I’ve seen is Big Sami. Even ahead of VVD for me but I think that will shortly change once VVD gets a few more seasons under his belt.

2.5mill, nobody knew who he was and he transformed us. And consistently played at a high level for 10 years. One of those defenders who made others look better, Henchoz and Carra were both made to look significantly better by having Sami alongside them.

And that volley against Juve!!

Will always remember his tears as he was hoisted into the air after his last game and my lingering sense of disappointment in Rafa only giving him a few minutes.

Anyone know what he’s up to these days? Miss the big man!!

Anyone know what he’s up to these days? Miss the big man!!

He's always off skiing on Instagram. Or doing some other sport, that usually isn't football.

But for me Sami is the best I've seen as well. Van Dijk is getting there and will almost certainly overtake the Finn given time. But at the moment it's still Sami just for his longevity. 10 near flawless years for a man who'd never played in the League before either. Virg came with Premier League experience - which isn't always a recipe for success (ask Chelsea fans about Torres) but it certainly does help to some extent.

Sami as good as he was and he was very good lacked pace but as I stated incorrectly in the decade team Sami and Virgil OMG what a partnership that would have been

Sami as good as he was and he was very good lacked pace but as I stated incorrectly in the decade team Sami and Virgil OMG what a partnership that would have been

He didn’t need it mate, his reading of the game was something else. Never saw him caught out.

One his games that springs to mind was in our title chase of 08/09 at the toilet. Whoever was meant to be starting picked up an injury in the warm up and Sami comes in last minute, hadn’t played in weeks and put in an immense performance.

Brilliant player imo and one who wouldn’t be out of place in today’s team.

It is so hard,been watching the reds since the 60's, these days, its  the big Dutchman, followed closely by Matip and Joe. Hansen and Lawro, were poetry,but the two defenders for me were Smithy, and Sammi.... all heart

With VVD comes greatness.  I mean it is not just him that is great.  The signing, the timing of the signing it was all great.   

When we trying to get him they were teams interested it is believed City were interested.   Mourinho must have been interested,  I would have thought.    But with Jürgen’s comments about Pogba he and his colleagues probably thought lets not get involved, let us watch this drama and have a good laugh.  They were just waiting  for the comedy and laugh to start.   What they saw was probably tears and massive regret as City missed out on Kompany’s DADDY,  and Utd might have got Ferdinand’s GRAND DADDY. 

I thought at the time 50m max, we went all in at about 50% at least more.   But at that time if we had waited until the following summer again, he would have most probably slipped away.   We tried in summer and then it was getting difficult.  Though Coutinho’s deal was a massive factor but still we went all in got the man without dirty oil money.  It was a massive huge gigantic transfer.   Get that wrong and we would have been in trouble it would halted our transfers that followed.   Whilst our rivals were waiting for a comedy show with the brilliant work of everyone involved, we got  after a quick baptising from Klopp  an absolutely perfectly ripe ready to deliver and ready to raise the bar for all defenders before him.   It was an absolutely great performance from all our recruitment team.  Mourinho tried to have a cheap shot after about the price but he didn’t quite listen what Klopp said.  Klopp said we don’t buy last season’s best players. We buy this season's or next season's best players!  Klopp made him into the greatest defender.    It was a great Transfer and great timing.

To me, Hyypia and VVD are the best center backs I have seen in my lifetime.

Hyypia rarely got carded, was superb with the ball and was very commanding. He and Carra were a great pairing but unfortunately we did not have the resources at that time to be as good as today's squad and they did not have fullbacks like TAA and Robertson too.  if things were different we would be saying things differently about Hyypia.

But, VVD to me is the best because of his quickness which Hyypia lacked.

I tried d to answer this and when I typed Hyypia auto correct changed it to Hipos

But Virgil is the best I’ve seen.

Big Rowdy was instrumental along with Shanks and the St with bringing this club back to greatness.Jockey was a fantastic centre half and always read the game well and for longevity and class he would get my vote.I will throw another name into the ring ,Bill Jones he played for England as centre half,he was the most versatile and played in every position except goalie for Liverpool.He was the gran dad of Rob Jones.

Vvd

Just reading this thread makes me feel an old c**t , I love big Virg I love Mane Trent all of them but put a sh*t load of trophys In the cupboard and then we’ll talk ,
Jocky got a few under his belt match that then we can debate

Just reading this thread makes me feel an old c**t , I love big Virg I love Mane Trent all of them but put a sh*t load of trophys In the cupboard and then we’ll talk ,
Jocky got a few under his belt match that then we can debate

Ditto.

Just reading this thread makes me feel an old c**t , I love big Virg I love Mane Trent all of them but put a sh*t load of trophys In the cupboard and then we’ll talk ,
Jocky got a few under his belt match that then we can debate

What d'ya mean 'makes you feel old Andy? 
I'm a old kunt too, never seen Rowdy play so can't comment on this Colossus, as Shanks described him,
For me I can't see past Jocky Hansen, I seen him play for Partick Thisle before seeing him again playing for us, the man was coolness personified, 
Big Sami would be my next choice, but i think though by the time Virgil hangs his boots up he could surpass them both,
So much like Hansen cool as you like and reads everyone and everything in front,

World class doesn't do him justice!

YNWA

What d'ya mean 'makes you feel old Andy? 
I'm a old kunt too, never seen Rowdy play so can't comment on this Colossus, as Shanks described him,
For me I can't see past Jocky Hansen, I seen him play for Partick Thisle before seeing him again playing for us, the man was coolness personified, 
Big Sami would be my next choice, but i think though by the time Virgil hangs his boots up he could surpass them both,
So much like Hansen cool as you like and reads everyone and everything in front,

World class doesn't do him justice!

YNWA

i agree mate and I’m not for one minute saying Virg won’t be , it’s just us old bar stewards , remember Hansen striding out front the back with pride , setting us on our way .

Won't be seeing a better one in my lifetime, not just for The Reds.

One of those lads you will marvel about in 50 years time.

Said that with a few , think we should all just enjoy the ride , he’s like the corner of the puzzle , sure you can still do it but it’s that one piece that completes the picture ,,

Said that with a few , think we should all just enjoy the ride , he’s like the corner of the puzzle , sure you can still do it but it’s that one piece that completes the picture ,,

We should enjoy the ride mate because its an incredible one so far I could point the finger at one single player who hasn't made a significant contribution. Some still like to pick holes I know but really this is a very very special team along with Virgil we may have to say come June we have a team with some of the very best players ever to wear a Red shirt. We have had 3 European finals in Jurgens short time here its an absolute pleasure watching them

We will see what his career looks like in retrospect from a few more years down the road, but I just don’t see how anyone could command a game and have so many qualities (not just defensive but offensive and leadership) that VVD does. No question he’s the best defender to come around in recent years, one of the best all time? I hope we get to find out a long way down the road.

Hansen for me great defender, good in the air and could run with the ball

VVD!

It's Jocky......by a league title

As an all rounder Hansen by a country mile.

Hansen was without doubt our best until we signed Virgil. I may be being biased but I can’t remember watching a better one EVER!

Ron Yeats watched him in 60's and 70's, still had it when he signed for Tranmere Rovers.

No argument against Sami of course, but to your point about resources in days gone by, TAA is an Academy product and Robbo cost us, what was it? 8 million British Sterling?

Sorry, just a side note.

We've had Riise and Finann during Sami's days, who are really good consistent and solid fullbacks. You could say that during Hyypia's generation we were blessed with Gerrard and Carragher from the academy and now we are blessed with TAA.

but I meant that the squad today is stronger because we have better resources at our disposal and our owners are looking forward while our previous owners were very outdated and couldn't cope with Manc dominance.

Do you remember that game when we beat the Mancs 4-1 at OT? Hyypia was world class, can't find the video of his performance, but I remember he put in one of the best performances I've seen from a defender in really long time

side note, we also had one of the strongest if not the strongest defense in the league back then under Rafa (remember Reina's 3 golden glove awards?) thanks to Hyypia - Carra partnership. If only we could have translated those into league titles. Oh and we bought Hyypia for only 3.4m that's like 15m in today's market.

We've had Riise and Finann during Sami's days, who are really good consistent and solid fullbacks. You could say that during Hyypia's generation we were blessed with Gerrard and Carragher from the academy and now we are blessed with TAA.

but I meant that the squad today is stronger because we have better resources at our disposal and our owners are looking forward while our previous owners were very outdated and couldn't cope with Manc dominance.

Do you remember that game when we beat the Mancs 4-1 at OT? Hyypia was world class, can't find the video of his performance, but I remember he put in one of the best performances I've seen from a defender in really long time

side note, we also had one of the strongest if not the strongest defense in the league back then under Rafa (remember Reina's 3 golden glove awards?) thanks to Hyypia - Carra partnership. If only we could have translated those into league titles. Oh and we bought Hyypia for only 3.4m that's like 15m in today's market.

Just watched Gerrard and Neville talking over the highlights of that 4-1 win at OT. Great stuff, but your point about our ownership in those days is well taken.

A lot going for Hansen on here. And to think he only ever wanted to be a golf pro 😁

It's Jocky......by a league title

One thing when we talk about "best ever" - you have to take longevity into account. Hansen, Yeats, Hyppia, Carragher, all played for at least 10 years in a Liverpool jersey. Virgil is in his second full season with the club. I would back him for best defender in the world now and he's made a transformative impact on our team since coming in two years ago, but I think in today's society where we are so into legacy and subjective questions like "who was the best ever?," we have to separate that objectively from "who is the best now."

Which reminds that part of Klopp's team-building model appears to be getting players and KEEPING them around for more than a couple of seasons. You don't see much of that in football today and I think it can play a big part in building the kind of spirit Klopp knows can make such a difference.

There was a lad from Kirkby called Phil who did quite well and barely gets a mention

He didn’t need it mate, his reading of the game was something else. Never saw him caught out.

One his games that springs to mind was in our title chase of 08/09 at the toilet. Whoever was meant to be starting picked up an injury in the warm up and Sami comes in last minute, hadn’t played in weeks and put in an immense performance.

Brilliant player imo and one who wouldn’t be out of place in today’s team.

I’ll never forget that either, he was a colossus that match. F***ing superb

I’ll never forget that either, he was a colossus that match. F***ing superb

His goal against Juve is a stand out moment for me took like a striker. Always hoped he would find his way back here in a coaching role